Group Urges LPDC, NBA To Sanction Lawyers Criticising Judges Over Controversial Judgments

A civil group, Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy (CRPA), has called on the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), to take action against lawyers who criticise some judges over contentious judgements.

CRPA also urged the NBA to rise to the occasion and ensure that their members do not act in ways that bring the judiciary to disrepute.

The group warned a House of Representatives member and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to desist from what they called unwarranted attacks on the judiciary.

Addressing the press in Abuja on Friday, the Director, Legal Services, Kalu Agu said, “These attacks not only undermine the rule of law but also erode public trust in our institutions.

“This harmful practice undermines the very foundation of our justice system. It is imperative that we recognize the judiciary’s role as the guardian of justice and the protector of our constitutional rights. We must take collective action to safeguard its independence and integrity.

“If we fail to address these attacks, we risk plunging our nation into chaos, anarchy and lawlessness. The judiciary’s inability to function effectively will embolden perpetrators of violence and undermine our ability to hold them accountable.

While admitting that it is natural to disagree with judgements, the group said this should be done without abuse, violence, blackmail and intimidation of judges, as they deliver judgements based on evidence before them.

Agu frowned at the attitude of some lawyers and litigants who begin to attack the judiciary once cases do not go their way, but will praise the judiciary once the judgement is in their favour.

“Emotions can run high when we lose our cases in court, but let us keep calm, consult our lawyers to understand the judgment and exercise our constitutional right to appeal to a higher court.

“But attacking judges undermines judicial independence, threatens national security, deters judges from making fearless decisions and erodes public trust in the justice system.

“Regrettably, these incessant attacks on Nigeria’s Judiciary are being championed by so many lawyers. These lawyers descend heavily on judges and attack their character after losing cases in courts. This unprofessional conduct should stop.

He called on the NBA, “to rise to the occasion and sanction erring lawyers who attack judges to massage their ego after losing cases in court.

“It is the duty of the Nigerian Bar Association to shield the bench from unfounded criticisms as Judges cannot respond to criticisms or defend themselves.

According to Agu, “If the NBA fails to protect the bench, these incessant attacks on judges by lawyers will damage the reputation of the legal profession, cause the legal profession to lose credibility, undermine public confidence in the justice system and justice will be compromised.

“We also call on the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to take actions against lawyers who indulge in this harmful practice of attacking judges in Nigeria.” Agu concluded.